the great depression?

Question

i am writing an essay on the movie Grapes of Wrath and the outcome of the great depression but i can't seem to voice my opinion the correct way. I am trying to say that the Great Depression launched America into a new "age" of wealth and technology, but it doesn't sound right to me. Please help me write a sentence that sounds better and more historically correct. This is what i have so far: After the Great Depression ended in 1939, it took America years to return to its economic status. There were still many unemployed families and starving children but in the end, the Great Depression resulted in ......

Answer 1

I've taken your bit and made some changes / additions.
"The Great Depression ended during World War II when over ten million Americans served in the armed forces on government pay and factories, which were needed to supply the war effort, provided jobs. It took America a few years after the war to return to its previous economic status prior to 1929, at least as reflected in the stock market Dow Jones average which only reached its 1929 level in 1955. There were few unemployed families and starving children after war production picked up in 1942. In the end, the Great Depression resulted in reforms for banking and investing that would prevent such a drastic economic downturn in the future. The government became more involved. Federal and state social programs would emerge to act as a safety net for those facing hard times in America. No one should be starving in the United States today - unless they are unable to take advantage of the social welfare programs that emerged as a result of the Great Depression."

You can take it from here. Good Luck

I would say that the Great Depression launched America into a new age of social welfare with greater central government control of the economy. You might say that World War II launched the age of expanding science and technology and national wealth due to America's position as the strongest world power left standing after the war, but the Great Depression did not do this - UNLESS you make the case that the worldwide depression caused the war itself. That point can be made to some extent if you wish. It would take several pages of arguments to back it up.

Answer 2

I think it was World War II that actually got us out of the Depression slump. It pulled the country together and gave government the ability to use private enterprise for public good.